Somerset Armed Forces Community Covenant

The Somerset Armed Forces Community Covenant brings together charities, local authorities, other public sector organisations, businesses, communities, individuals and the military in a pledge of support between local residents and the armed forces community in the county.

You are part of the armed forces community if you are serving or have served in the Army, Navy or Air force. The armed forces community also includes families and dependents, reservists, veterans and cadets. A veteran is defined as anyone who has served in the armed forces.

How are Mendip are helping armed forces?

Local Authorities and Housing Associations have the flexibility to allocate housing based on local needs. The Homefinder Somerset Common Lettings Policy [946.77KB] details how armed forces personnel are not disadvantaged by the current allocations system, with section 8.2 detailing how additional priority has been given to serving or former members of the armed forces. For more information visit the section of our website, or Homefinder Somerset.

As part of Mendip's Council Tax Support scheme, in calculating entitlement, all a person's War Pensions / War Disablement pension is completely disregarded. This shows Mendip's commitment to providing extra financial help to Mendip residents who receive these pensions.

Mendip also disregards these pensions in housing benefit calculations.

How local people can help

Local people already support the Armed Services community by:

fundraising

taking part in military events and celebrations

visiting local tourist attractions such as the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton.

attending homecoming and repatriation ceremonies.

providing practical support to the Armed Forces community, particularly individuals and their families.

Future activities could include:

running youth groups or sports clubs for the children of serving soldiers

creating support networks for families of serving soldiers

helping ex-servicemen or women to take part in local activities

providing training and employment opportunities for those about to leave the Armed Forces or veterans

The benefits are intended to be mutual, with the local Armed Forces community committed to getting involved in local projects, educational and sporting events.